As couples around the world celebrate love this Valentine’s Day, Ranjni Devi stands in stark contrast, grappling with the pain of unresolved grief and unanswered questions that linger a decade after the tragic death of her husband, Salesh Chand.
Chand, the former West regional manager for Vinod Patel, was found dead in his burnt company vehicle in Lautoka in June 2016. The case was classified as a murder, and since then, Ms. Devi has been on a relentless quest for justice and closure, continually seeking updates on the investigation. Unfortunately, her repeated inquiries have only met with the same response: the case remains open and ongoing.
Now, as she reflects on a decade of waiting, Ms. Devi, 46, from Muanikoso Housing in Nasinu, expressed her frustration. “Every time I ask for progress, I’m told the investigations are still ongoing,” she lamented. Her ordeal has been compounded by the claim that her husband’s gold chain and pendant, reportedly taken as evidence at the crime scene, have not been returned. “I have proof that the officer removed the chain from his neck, but now they say they don’t have any jewellery,” she added, emphasizing her deep sense of betrayal and loss of trust in the system.
Despite her efforts, including reaching out to various authorities like the Police Commissioner, Ms. Devi has yet to receive any significant response. Her feelings of disillusionment resonate as she questions how a small nation could allow such a case to linger indefinitely: “It has been 10 years, and they are still saying they are looking for people to interview.”
In light of this, local authorities have indicated that they will review the situation and address the concerns raised by Ms. Devi in due course, although no specific timeline has been provided. This case highlights the larger issue of unresolved crimes and the emotional toll they take on families, underlining the need for timely justice and transparency in the investigative process. As Ranjni Devi continues her search for answers, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of unsolved cases on the lives of loved ones left behind.
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